Gencor, a botanical ingredients developer and supplier, has published a human clinical trial which highlighted the potential of its palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) ingredient, Levagen+, as an effective immune health booster.
PEA is a lipid mediator with a similar structure to an endocannabinoid, which is naturally produced by the body in response to injury or stress.
It can also be found in certain foods and botanicals, such as egg yolk, peanuts and soy beans.
There has been a growing amount of research pointing towards PEA’s potential in supporting immune health, which is likely mediated through its mediation of the inflammatory response.
How the study was conducted
The randomised, placebo-controlled trial, published in Biomedicines, examined the effect of PEA supplementation on the gut microbiome during a 12-week period.
The study was conducted in 58 overweight adults, with participants having a BMI between 30–40kg/m2.
Many aspects of the gut microbiome were observed, including its richness, diversity, composition and metabolic functioning.
The results
Researchers revealed that 12 weeks of supplementation with Gencor’s PEA ingredient, Levagen+, significantly altered the presence of gut microbiome cytokine interleukin-2 (IL-2) — a molecule associated with the enhancement of immune cell activity.
It also improved serum triglyceride levels in participants.
“This study has initiated exploration into the potential effects of PEA on the microbiome and metabolic pathways and sheds light on the intricate relationship between PEA, the microbiome and host health,” said R.V Venkatesh, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Gencor.
“This study builds upon the previous research on PEA and its ability to benefit immune health promising benefits for immune health.”
